Governor of North Dakota facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Governor of North Dakota
Standard of the governor
Seal of the governor of North Dakota
Incumbent Kelly Armstrong since December 15, 2024
Government of North Dakota
Style	Governor (informal) The Honorable (formal)
Residence	North Dakota Governor's Residence
Term length	4 years, renewable once
Inaugural holder	John Miller
Formation	November 20, 1889
Succession	Line of succession
Deputy	Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota
Salary	$135,360 (2020)

The Governor of North Dakota is the main leader of the state. They are like the chief manager for all of North Dakota's government. The governor also leads the state's military forces, like the North Dakota National Guard.

The Constitution of North Dakota explains the governor's job. It says the governor has the power to run the state. They must make sure the state's business is handled well. They also ensure that all of North Dakota's laws are followed.

Becoming Governor: Rules and Requirements

To become the Governor of North Dakota, a person must meet certain rules. These rules are found in the state's constitution.

Who Can Be Governor?

To be eligible, a person must be able to vote in North Dakota. They must also be at least 30 years old on election day. Plus, they need to have lived in North Dakota for five years before the election.

When Are Candidates Chosen?

Political parties choose their official candidates for governor at special meetings. The exact dates for these meetings can be different for each party.

When Are Elections Held?

The dates for the general election are set by the North Dakota Legislative Assembly. Usually, the election for governor happens at the same time as the U.S. presidential election. This is on the first Tuesday of November in even-numbered years, every four years. If November 1st is a Tuesday, the election is held on November 8th instead.

The next election for governor in North Dakota is set for November 7, 2028.

North Dakota's Current Governor

The current Governor of North Dakota is Kelly Armstrong. He is a member of the Republican Party. Governor Armstrong started his term on December 15, 2024.

Governor and Lieutenant Governor: Elected Together

In North Dakota, the governor and the lieutenant governor are elected as a team. This means voters cast one vote for both positions. On the ballot, the candidate for governor is listed with their running mate for lieutenant governor. You cannot choose a governor from one party and a lieutenant governor from another.

Governor's Powers and Duties

The governor has many important jobs and powers. They lead the state's executive branch, which carries out laws.

Signing and Vetoing Laws

The governor has the power to sign new laws into effect. They can also "veto" laws, which means rejecting them. If a law is vetoed, it usually does not become law unless the legislature votes again to pass it.

Calling Special Sessions

The governor can call the Legislative Assembly together for emergency meetings. This happens if there's an urgent issue that needs to be discussed right away.

Leading the Industrial Commission

By law, the governor is also the chairman of the North Dakota Industrial Commission. This group makes important decisions about the state's resources and economy.

Term Length and Dates

A governor is elected by people across the entire state. They serve a term of four years.

When Does a Governor's Term Start?

North Dakota law says a governor's term begins on December 15. This is after the November election in an even-numbered year. Their term lasts exactly four years, ending on December 15 four years later.

Inauguration Day

The official ceremony where the governor takes office is called the inauguration. The standard date for this is December 15 after the election. The next planned inauguration will be on December 15, 2028.

Sometimes, inaugurations have happened on different dates. This can occur if the governor's office becomes empty unexpectedly. For example, if a governor resigns or passes away while in office. In one case, a governor was removed from office but later re-elected.

Celebrations, like inaugural balls, often happen around the inauguration date. For example, Governor Kelly Armstrong's formal celebration was held in January 2025. This was done to avoid busy holiday schedules in December.

How Many Terms Can a Governor Serve?

For a long time, there was no limit to how many terms a governor could serve. But in November 2022, voters approved a change to the state constitution. Now, a governor can only serve two four-year terms in their lifetime. This rule applies to governors elected after November 2022.

The governor who served the longest was William L. Guy. He was governor from 1961 to 1973, serving a total of 12 years. John Hoeven is the second longest-serving governor, from 2000 to 2010.

Serving Terms Not in a Row

It is possible for a governor to serve terms that are not one after another. William Langer is the only governor who has done this.

Governor's Official Home

The official home for the Governor of North Dakota is the North Dakota Governor's Residence. It is located in Bismarck, the state capital.

List of North Dakota Governors

Timeline of Governors

Timeline of North Dakota governors

More About North Dakota's Government

• North Dakota
• Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota
• North Dakota State Legislature